Huge Bristol tree receives special designation

  • 2023-11-16
An eastern redbud tree at Silver Lake Nature Center in Bristol has been recognized by the Pennsylvania Champion Tree Association.

The tree - which has a trunk measuring 80 inches wide, a spread of 54 feet, and a height of 35 feet – was award champion designation by the Association. News of such unique recognitions is often made known throughout a community with flyer printing.

Director at Silver Lake Nature Center, PattiAnn Cutter, noted that this is not only Bristol County’s biggest redbud, but the third largest in the state too. Silver Lake Nature Center is on Bath Road in Bristol Township.

Bob Mercer, the retired director of the nature center, planted the eastern redbud 30 years ago. Situated right outside the main building in the courtyard paved with brick, the tree is especially attractive in the spring when it has tiny purple-red blossoms. In summer, the blossoms are replaced by leaves in a heart shape, which turn buttery yellow in the fall.

The center has a butterfly garden maintained by the Southern Bucks Garden Club. The garden has plants that either provide food for young butterflies or are simply attractive to them. There are also about seven miles of nature trails that meander through the various habitats of the center. The terrain is generally flat with no hills, so the trails are easy to navigate.